Packaging, Films & Bioplastics - Subtopic Landscape

A synthetic biology perspective

The subset of SynBio – Packaging, films & bioplastics related patents were further investigated to identify subtopics and assess trending areas. The topic model leverages a hybrid approach based on the optimised extractive summary for each publication. Using a combination of topic discovery via fine-tuned transformer based deep learning and ground truth cross referencing via keyword and classification codes. The process enables a patent to belong to more than one topic for accurate multi-classification trends, accounting for multiple invention embodiments. Please see the topic model page for further details regarding the topic model methodology to avoid duplication here.

Subtopic counts

The identified subtopics within the packaging, films & bioplastics topic are shown in figure 1. The topics are ranked based on the total number of published applications since 2015. A patent application can be counted more than once as it can belong to multiple topics.

The classification of documents across the top 5 subtopics are as follows; polyesters (47.8%), cellulose related (42.9%), films or biofilms (38.2%), bio- or photodegradable (36.6%) and bioplastics or renewable materials (27.8%). The biodegradable and compostable packaging market is forecast to grow at 8.8% CAGR to 2029. Growth is fuelled by the need for sustainable biobased alternatives to historical plastic packaging. Almost 37% of the documents identified are classified within the bio- or photodegradable subtopic. Regarding polymers, nearly 48% of documents were classified in the polyester based topic.

The packaging, films & bioplastics subtopic publication year trends are shown in figure 2. Publication trends discussed below are based on EP A1/A2 applications, identified patents can belong to more than one subtopic due to multiple invention embodiments.

In figure 2, the fastest growing subtopics identified of note and based on compound annual growth rates during 2016-24 are biopackaging (35.9%), waste or recycling related (31%), starch related (28.9%), disintegrable / dissolvable (22.5%), bioplastics or renewable materials (22.3%) and paper or cardboard (21.5%), all above the 20% growth rate threshold.

Subtopic top 20 assignees distributions (published since 2015)

The patent portfolios of the top 20 assignees within the SynBio – packaging, films & bioplastics dataset are analysed in figure 3. The portfolios are restricted to publications during 2015-24, mapped to the subtopics identified, the counts represent total EPO publications.

The heatmap in figure 3 reveals the distribution of the top 20 assignees since 2015, publications can be assigned to more than one subtopic, reflecting multiple invention embodiments. PROCTER & GAMBLE have the largest distribution in the disintegrable / dissolvable subtopic (127 publications) and have a diverse portfolio across the subtopics identified including films or biofilms (74 publications). STORA ENSO are focused toward cellulose (112 publications) and paper or cardboard (104 publications). NESTLE have a focus towards bioplastics or renewable material and KANEJA are well positioned here.

The analysis does not account for earlier publications prior to 2015, which may have contributed to companies developing market share, etc. and potential licensing and acquisitions (subsidiaries). The analysis is an informative guide as some specific subtopics have strict content boundaries to enable differentiation, whilst others are broader to capture more generic areas.